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Start youth early to become citizen leaders

By Barbara Dunn Swanson

How do we create opportunities for young people to become citizen leaders?

Our 4-H program prides itself on creating an environment for youth to learn parliamentary procedure, how to run a business meeting and how to elect club officers. Each of these actions help set the stage for learning to become citizen leaders.

Citizenship is taking pride in the community in which you live.

The 4-H club members are in a democracy and vote for their club officers much like we vote for our city leaders. Each 4-H club has freedom to select their own club name, day and time to meet and the ability to prioritize their club program. Following the laws of the community also allows us to show citizenship. As citizens we have rights and responsibilities. Helping youth to understand these factors through the club experience can prepare them for future school leadership opportunities.

4-H club members learning to become citizen leaders are developing skills in showing respect, becoming involved and in serving others.

Showing respect can be demonstrated by caring for one another, animals and the community you live in. When we obey rules at home, at school and in our community, we are practicing respect. Becoming involved in community service projects is another way to become a citizen leader. Most 4-H clubs take part in service projects that allow club members the opportunity to give back to the community. Some clubs beautify landscapes. Some clubs visit at local senior centers and participate in bingo games. Other 4-H club members participate annually in the Big Sweep clean up campaign coordinated in our community by Bob Langston at the North Carolina Zoo.

Another way to participate in the community is to vote. Everyone, 18 years and older, is eligible to register to vote. Youth under the age of 18 can still vote in other ways. 4-H club members elect club officers. In addition, 4-H club members attending district and state events are eligible to vote for district and state 4-H officers. Most schools have student council members and voting for those individuals is another way to become civically engaged.

This summer, 4-H members will again participate in a day of civic education. We will have a conversation with Randolph County Manager Richard Wells and talk about the many responsibilities he has in managing county operations.

We will also visit the Asheboro City Council and attend a city council meeting. Introducing youth to civic life at an early age may spark interest in future civic participation. Citizens who step forward to “lead” are often confronted with difficult decisions. Together with other citizen leaders, they must weigh all the alternatives; they must listen to public input and then make a decision that is in the best interest of the majority of citizens.

Together we can create opportunities for youth and adults to become civically engaged in our community.